Learn the Signs & Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
Some tell-tale signs of toenail fungus include nails that are dry, crumbling, are turning dark in color or smell foul. Toenail fungus is a common condition caused by fungi that accumulate in between your toenail and the nail bed. There are both home remedies and in-office treatments that a podiatrist can provide to get your nails back to a healthy state.
Your podiatrists at Buxmont Foot & Ankle Care Centers in Newtown, Pennsylvania want you to know how to recognize toenail fungus and how your podiatrist can help.
Signs You Have Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, can begin as a small yellow or white spot under your toenail. The spot gets bigger as it grows deeper into your nail. Your podiatrists at Buxmont Foot & Ankle Care Centers want you to know about the other signs and symptoms of toenail fungus. According to the Mayo Clinic, you may have nail fungus if your toenails are:
- Dull, yellow and thickened
- Ragged, crumbly or brittle
- Distorted or oddly shaped
- Darkened from debris building up under your nail
- Separated from the nail bed
- Painful, with a foul odor
Home Treatment for Toenail Fungus
Your podiatrists at Buxmont Foot & Ankle Care Centers want you to try some home remedies to get relief. Remember to:
- Apply over-the-counter antifungal creams
- Apply Vicks VapoRub daily to your toe and underneath your toenail
- Trim and thin your toenails to reduce nail pressure
Podiatrist Treatment for Toenail Fungus
For stubborn, severe cases of toenail fungus that don’t respond to home treatment, it’s time to see your podiatrists at Buxmont Foot & Ankle Care Centers. They offer several effective treatments for toenail fungus, including:
- Prescription oral antifungal medication to eliminate fungus growth and help you grow a new, fungus-free toenail
- Prescription medicated nail cream or nail polish to treat the underlying fungus
- Surgical removal of the infected nail
- Laser or light therapy to kill the fungus
If you think you might have toenail fungus, you don’t have to deal with it alone. Call your podiatrists at Buxmont Foot & Ankle Care Centers with offices in Newtown and Warminster, Pennsylvania. They can help treat your toenail fungus and get you ready for summer, so call today!